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Raul Colon - photographer, digital marketer & writer living on the beach in Puerto Rico.

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My 3 Words – Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

January 1, 2021 by Raul Colon

icon My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

My 3 Words for 2021

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I've done my 3 words exercise for over 10 years now. I don't think there has been a year I felt as if it fast-forwarded so quickly that I had just finished doing my previous year's 3 words.

Christmas Celebrations Halted by a Powerful Earthquake Sequence

Days after I published last year's my 3 words blog post, I had to stop everything I had planned when it comes to my business Limonade and other projects due to the impact the sequence of Earthquakes had on what was left of the Infrastructure that Hurricane Maria had weakened.

I have to say that although challenging, those first few weeks were enriching because I got to collaborate with so many Puerto Ricans from and outside of the Island.

Everyone wanted to help, from donating money and much-needed supplies to the many that decided to put their lives at risk to help those who lost everything or were too scared to sleep in their own homes, given the constant tremors and seeing homes and buildings around them crumble little by little.

To everyone who gave their best in helping, I appreciate you. To everyone who helped me help others, I am super grateful for you.

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-194 My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Hindsight is 2020

Since I started to work for myself in 2008, I have learned how not to plan too far out when I don't have my immediate plan super clear and transparent. If we can learn something from 2020, I have been teaching many of my clients and friends of planning no more than 6 months of your life.

Time flies, but things change very quickly; I remember understanding this thanks to a business mentor and friend Liz Strauss who passed away this year. After many years of following her online, I meet her in 2015 at Misfit Con in Fargo, ND. She invited me to an event called Genius Shared, and from those two events, I grasped many lessons that have helped me greatly from that point on.

From Liz, I learned that a clear message and plan are critical to your business and personal plans' well-being. The importance of simplifying what you do and how you can help so other people can easily recommend you and hire you. Planning out up to 6 months and then readjusting as you go to ensure you are on the right path given the events that might have transcurred.

Sharing My Experience with the hopes of others benefitting

The pandemic hit, and I offered my experiences, having dealt with recovering from two hurricanes in less than two weeks, a political uprising, and the recent earthquakes that impacted the whole Island. However, the South West was affected even more.

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-199 My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Why Choosing 3 Words Is More important for 2021 than Before

As I explained in more detail last year, I started doing this exercise when my good friend Chris Brogan shared how he prepares for the new year. That particular year I had just become a dad days before 2011 started, and it was clear that I no longer wanted to continue working on IT Security Consulting projects.

This year, I believe that we have so much more to recover from a very draining year, I realize that we have a new normal, and we must be resilient while being prepared for more uncertainty.

The 3 words can definitely be a simple exercise to keep you on track without making it too overwhelming to handle.

Hopefully, the 3 words will help us all do the following:

  • Guide us throughout the new year.
  • Create Simple Habits that Help us do more of what we like and remove what we don't want to do or dislike.

I usually pick three images and keep the list handy, along with an inspirational quote like Bruce Lee's Be Water my Friend. I make a routine to review and recite these words a few times a day or at least once and think what that means to me on that particular day and week.

After a few weeks of doing this, I am clear in what I need to focus on and apply that to the current events and goals I have to reach.

Using Action Works Helps Us Apply Those Important 3 Words

I make sure I choose action words that will help me correct my personal and business efforts. 

Those words will guide me, and ideally, they can help me achieve my long term goals while aligning with my short term goals. 

Getting Ready for the New Year 2021

Once again in an effort to get ready for 2021, I choose three words that will guide me throughout the new year.

So here I share with you my three words for 2021. 

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-192 My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

My 3 Words for The New Year 2020

rise My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Rise

batch My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Batch

revitalize My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Revitalize

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rise My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Rise

One thing I've learned from the most successful people I know is to rise to the occasions and to be present. This is easier said than done when uncertainty arises, and there is a disaster or a couple of them one after the other.

This past year, I've battled with staying focus and getting things completed. There are days where I am very productive, others that are not. I recognize I need rest and can't work seven days a week.

I felt this even more weeks after my mom passed at the end of October (2020). I was able to handle the situation and get everything completed in a pretty effective way. But weeks later, it hit me that mom is no longer here. I had a hard time getting my mindset to start my day and continue with life for a few weeks. Thankfully 10 days of rest and fun with my daughter and life partner made me feel better.

What I do better on productive days than unproductive days is how I rise in the morning and get busy. I know there are more challenges to come; I need to remind myself to Rise to that occasion, and once I start, the momentum helps me complete the rest.

Let's not forget to Rise against injustice, Rise against being dormant, and Rise for our well being.

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batch My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Batch

When I went to school for Accounting, they explained Batch System Accounting; being the tech geek I've had always been, I could not get why in 1998 we had to use such an antiquated system when Real-Time Accounting was the thing of the future. As I look back, I can see the value in both systems, and I can think of how I can probably improve how I run my business and personal projects by Batching certain things related and organizing my weeks and months better.

By batching my processes, I think of compartmentalizing certain days for work on certain projects and clients. I think I can become more useful and accurate if I do this. Maybe take a day to work on my Wedding Photography Clients and see what I can learn from observing them be helpful and useful to each client's approach to their business and their unique goals.

It also gives me the chance to have someone review what I am doing and offer more control in the quality of what we are putting out as a team. Focusing more on the future and the impact of everything we create for clients and our business gives our efforts more longevity. The longevity of something we created can hopefully translate into better results over the longer term.

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revitalize My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Revitalize

Everything moves quickly, and many creatives like me continue to build and create more content in different mediums. Some people create more photos, more videos, more blog posts, and more creative assets.

Similarly, we might purchase a new item to replace something else or have an extra one.

In all aspects, I want to go back on what I have created and revitalize it. Many projects and creative assets might be collecting dust when they could be put into play to help me grow my business, make it look better, or help someone else in what I have learned.

I want to spend some time going over all the creative assets I have and maybe a few tangible ones in my personal life to see how I can improve them.

Look at each asset and understand the value it brings me and the opportunities that might be behind me revitalizing it.

I need to audit what I have a map out how it will help me throughout the next few days, weeks, and months.

The idea is to repurpose and get more out of work you've already done; by polishing it up, it should look better than before.

Before I continue to create, I need to see if there is something already there that can help me reach the goal faster and better quality than me starting from scratch again.

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-no-wm-1-of-1-145 My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

I Prefer 3 Words Vs. New Year's Resolutions

I have failed at keeping resolutions; I am more than sure that you have probably failed too.

The most common reasons we fail at our New Years' Resolutions are:

  • setting unrealistic goals
  • not keeping track of their progress
  • forgetting about it
  • too many resolutions

Don't create a long list of overwhelming items you know you will not follow through with.

In my case, this method has worked for me for 7+years, so I am going to stick with it for now.

Choosing three words will allow me to focus on less and allows me enough time to get it right as the year consumes itself.

What approach are you taking? Are you choosing three words or putting the odds against you when following through with a New Year's resolution?

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Applying the 3 Words Every Day

It might seem hard to choose three words but even harder to stay on track throughout the year. In the past, I have used a daily software reminder.

Finding a way to remind yourself throughout the year will keep you on track with your three words. It will make it easier for you to commit to them.

"Remember that your day is your week is your month is your year. Your success comes from each choice you make along the path. And it’s always your choice." ~ Chris Brogan

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My 3 Words Over The Years

  • 2011

    Renew, Focus, and Complete

  • 2012

    Sharing, Purpose, and Organic

  • 2013

    Brief, Fluid, and Control

  • 2014

    Observe, Release, and Substract

  • 2015

    Selfish, Sharpen, and Publish

  • 2016

    Depth, Reset, and Visualize

  • 2017

    Flow, Pause, and Repeat

  • 2018

    Map, Explore, & Transfer

  • 2019

    Capture, Regenerate, and Accountability

  • 2020

    Simplify, Challenge, and Heighten

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” ~ Plato

I finish my year with a bit of grief for having lost my Mom at the age of 64, our Labrador Juanga , and few other loved ones, we continue to spend most of our time indoors worrying about every move we make.

I have to be grateful that I was able to get through the year without being sick, and had some moments that really helped me understand the importance of family and life.

To a better year and more Light, to navigating the future weeks with those I love and cherish, let this year begin and bring more blessings and the energy to continue pushing us through the existing uncertainty.

Happy New Year!

Share Your Three Words

Feel free to share your three words and your approach to starting a new year in the comments area or contact me directly or comment below.

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-197 My 3 Words - Not Just Short Wishes For The New Year

Filed Under: Featured

Summer In Condado

June 18, 2020 by Raul Colon

Summer In Condado

Summer In Condado's Beach

by Raúl Colón

raul-colon-photography-8x10-1-32 Summer In Condado
Buy Your Copy

Summer In Condado, San Juan, PR

⁣⁣📆 June 17, 2020
⁣⁣📍 San Juan, PR

Some Additional Thoughs on the Summer In Condado, San Juan, PR

It has been about 3 months since I took out my camera to capture the ocean.

Here is one of the first images I captured after being quarantined.

🌊 #PuertoRico #WhateverPuertoRico 🌴#CondadoBeach #Sunset 🌅  #NikonZ7

raul-colon-photography-8x10-1-32-1024x683 Summer In Condado

Get Your Own Copy

I fund my activism efforts mainly from my projects including selling photography prints.

By purchasing one item, you allow me to continue my activism.

    Matte Photographic Paper
    Our canvas prints use a high quality heavyweight canvas that has been coated to protect against scratches and light. This Material is stretched over a sturdy wooden frame.
    Your images will be infused right into the surface of a solid sheet of metal, resulting in bright vivid colors, a rich iridescent sheen, incredible depth of detail, and outstanding durability.
  • $0.00
  • Share the link to the image if you have it available.
  • spinner Summer In Condado
  • American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Visa
     

Equipment Used

Here is the answer to a question I get often. What photography equipment am I using?

Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Digital Camera

q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07KKR47LM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cis02-20&language=en_US Summer In Condadoir?t=cis02-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07KKR47LM Summer In Condado

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000VDCT3C&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cis02-20 Summer In Condadoir?t=cis02-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B000VDCT3C Summer In Condado

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Photography of Puerto Rico & Abroad

Purchase Prints, Digital Copies, or a Canvas

Puerto Rico's Beaches

From Isla Verde to Cabo Rojo...
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Old San Juan

500+ Years of Architecture...

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Outside of 100 X 35

My trips outside of the Island...
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Filed Under: Featured, photography, Puerto Rico Beach Pictures

Turning 40

April 23, 2020 by Raul Colon

Turning 40

As I turn 40 today under quarantine, I realize that now more than ever, many more people probably appreciate the details that surround us a bit more than a few months ago.

Our Pre-COVID lives might have made many of us take a few things for granted.

For years I've been close enough to the beach to take my camera and capture life on the north coast of the Island.

One of the things I love to do is capture small details, and I rarely publish those images. They are images I keep for myself.

I took the previous image a day before multiple Earthquakes hit Puerto Rico on January 5th. For a month after January 6th, I invested most of my time trying to find those who needed help and those who could help them.

2020 Filled With Puerto Rico Earthquakes and a Pandemic

A bit over two years of going through Hurricane Maria, we have faced Earthquakes and the pandemic.

Since January, many of us have had our lives changed significantly once again after the Earthquakes and now #Covid_19.

But when I look at this image, I see my fellow humans and especially those who live on my Island as the Rock, which will seem to be a bit more permanent than the moss that covers it.

We are stronger than we may think!

The moss, water, and other elements shape the Rock, but the stone still stands.

These events will shape us and change how we live. But always remember you are the stone, not the moss.

Stay safe and help each other.

To all of you that early this morning sent out birthday greetings, thank you so much.

I usually spend my Birthday at Disney celebrating for a few days. But today I sit in my house celebrating with your life and the fact that my loved ones are healthy.

To every person supermarket employee like my brother (Javier Colon), Nurse, Doctor, Delivery person, firefighter, paramedic, healthcare worker, and restaurant employee keeping us fed and healthy. Thank you! My Birthday wish is that you understand how important we all are in this intricate planet called earth.

Happy Birthday to me!

Donate to Waves Ahead, a Grassroots Organization That Means a Lot to me

Instead or receiving a Birthday Gift. It would be great if you could skip a coffee or two and donate to Waves Ahead Org. 

During the Month of January thanks to them I was able to get help to many families. 

DONATE NOW
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Portait of Raul Colon. Photo by Daniela Colón

Filed Under: Featured

Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

January 9, 2020 by Raul Colon

Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

Playa de Ballenas In Guanica, Puerto RIco

by Raúl Colón

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-128 Playa de Ballenas en Guanica
Buy Your Copy

Sunset in Playa Ballenas, Guanica, PR

⁣⁣📆 January 16, 2019⁣⁣
⁣⁣📍 Guanica, PR

Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Some Additional Thoughs on the Photo of Playa Ballenas, Guanica, PR

Last time I stood on these rocks, 22 years ago, I was about to graduate High School.
I remember capturing photos of my classmates with my Kodak Advantix camera. Life was simple, and I was getting ready for Boot Camp in the Army.
About a year ago, I stood on these same rocks with my family.

I was showing my daughter where I invested most of my days Body Boarding on Ballenas Beach with my best friend, Alex Burgos.
It was a beautiful sunset that brought some lovely memories and a chance to think about my present and my past.

🌊 #PuertoRico #WhateverPuertoRico 🌴#Guanica #Sunset 🌅  #NikonZ7

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-128-1024x683 Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

Get Your Own Copy

I fund my activism efforts mainly from my projects including selling photography prints.

By purchasing one item, you allow me to continue my activism.

    Matte Photographic Paper
    Our canvas prints use a high quality heavyweight canvas that has been coated to protect against scratches and light. This Material is stretched over a sturdy wooden frame.
    Your images will be infused right into the surface of a solid sheet of metal, resulting in bright vivid colors, a rich iridescent sheen, incredible depth of detail, and outstanding durability.
  • $0.00
  • Share the link to the image if you have it available.
  • spinner Playa de Ballenas en Guanica
  • American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Visa
     

Equipment Used

Here is the answer to a question I get often. What photography equipment am I using?

Nikon Z7 Mirrorless Digital Camera

q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B07KKR47LM&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cis02-20&language=en_US Playa de Ballenas en Guanicair?t=cis02-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07KKR47LM Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000VDCT3C&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=cis02-20 Playa de Ballenas en Guanicair?t=cis02-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B000VDCT3C Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

Support My

Photography of Puerto Rico & Abroad

Purchase Prints, Digital Copies, or a Canvas

Puerto Rico's Beaches

From Isla Verde to Cabo Rojo...
Get Images

Old San Juan

500+ Years of Architecture...

Get Images

Outside of 100 X 35

My trips outside of the Island...
Get Images

Filed Under: Featured, photography, Puerto Rico Beach Pictures

Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

January 9, 2020 by Raul Colon

Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico's Earthquake Relief

by Raúl Colón

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-128-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
DSC_3962-Edit-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
DSC_4019-Edit-2-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
RJC_1104-3-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
raul-colon-xmaxpartyfit911-puertorico-122-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
Buy Your 5 Prints

You Can Purchase any Five 8x10 Prints of Puerto Rico

As many of you know, as an activist I cover events and offer support without the support of any major corporations or donations.

Last year during the Puerto Rico Protests a few people reached out on Instagram and Twitter and requested that I put some of my prints up for sale.

As I decided to visit the affected parts of the Island I felt overwhelmed that I could not do more.

Yesterday with just a few tweets I was able to get some additional cots to the Mayor of Guayanilla thanks to the help of Wilfred Labiosa of Waves Ahead and my friend Karlo Karlo.

With your Support, I Can be there on the Ground Helping & Keeping Others Accountable

During Hurricane Maria, I quickly noticed that help was not getting to most people. Yesterday as I went around Guayanilla I quickly realized that help is not reaching everyone.

I want to have the opportunity to drive down and document what is going on. For me to do be able to do that. I need to cover some of my expenses like renting a bigger vehicle to move supplies and being able to purchase those supplies.

I want to keep this is as simple as possible and for that reason, I am offering to sell you some of my work and I will use the proceeds of that work for my efforts.

If you want to make a donation to a reliable organization then you might want to contact Wilfred Labiosa directly and let them know your donation is for Earthquake victims in Puerto RIco.

Support my Activism

I'm usually very busy with my business but I think it's vital to cover these events. However, when I do, my income plummets. Can you help support my activism this way?

I created this package of 5 curated prints that I am offering for the special price of $79.

 

With the money that I raise, I am planning to buy the following:

  • Gas and Pay for a Car Rental to move around the Island and reach areas that are not being taken care of yet.
  • Any supplies people might need from water, snacks, emergency blankets, and solar chargers.
  • Camera Equipment
    • Extra XQ Cards to store photos
    • Extra Battery since there is no Power and Opportunities to Recharge are not available.

Buy The 5 Prints Package

Buy Your 5 Print 8x10 Package

I fund my activism efforts mainly from my projects, including selling photography prints.

By purchasing one item, you allow me to continue my activism.

  • $0.00
  • Share the link to the image if you have it available.
  • spinner Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package
  • American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Visa
     

Just Want To Purchase One Print?

You can also purchase each individual photo of this package here:

raul-colon-photography-8x10-1-32-1024x683-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Summer In Condado

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-128-1024x683-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Playa de Ballenas en Guanica

raul-colon-photography-no-crop-1-of-1-121-1024x683-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

RJC_4298-3-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico Flag In Protests Marching From Capitolio to Fortaleza

raul-colon-photography-8x10-1-of-1-37-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico’s Massive Protest In Front of La Fortaleza

RJC_4305-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico’s Massive Protest at Dusk in Old San Juan

raul-colon-photography-8x10-1-of-1-33-1024x819-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico’s Protest in Front of el Capitolio Asking Rossello to Resign

RJC_4346-2-819x1024-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Puerto Rico Flag in Old San Juan March Asking Rossello to Resign

RJC_1104-3-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Playa Santa – My Favorite Beach

RJC_1033-Edit-2-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

¡Que Bonita Bandera!

DSC_0592-Edit-819x1024-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

La Perla at a Distance from El Morro

DSC_7879-Edit-4-landscape Puerto Rico’s Earthquake Relief Photo Prints Package

Super Blue Blood Moon Over San Juan, Puerto Rico

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Support My

Photography of Puerto Rico & Abroad

Purchase Prints, Digital Copies, or a Canvas

Old San Juan

500+ Years of Architecture...

Get Images

Outside of 100 X 35

My trips outside of the Island...
Get Images

Puerto Rico's Beaches

From Isla Verde to Cabo Rojo...

Get Images

Filed Under: Featured, photography

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